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Where Dark Things Rise
Where Dark Things Rise tells the haunting story of Gabe, a teenager struggling with grief and religious trauma after a supernatural force kills his parents. Set in 1980s Appalachia, the novel follows Gabe as he tries to piece his life back together with his grandparents and navigate a town plagued by fanaticism, dark folklore, and real monsters. Along the way, he crosses paths with Mina, a girl trying to escape the weight of her own upbringing, and Reverend Ezra, a sinister preacher who seems tied to the evil hunting Gabe. The book weaves elements of Southern Gothic, horror, and coming-of-age drama into a dark, deeply emotional tale.
The writing is lush but never showy, filled with poetic moments that sneak up on you. Clark builds atmosphere so well it almost hums. Like creaky trailer park porches, whispers in the woods, gospel music swelling under the hum of something ancient and terrible. The dialogue feels natural, especially between the kids, and there’s this aching honesty in how trauma, poverty, and faith twist together in the rural South. But where the novel really hits its stride is in the quiet moments like Gabe holding a cassette tape like it’s sacred, or Mina sketching herself invisible in the mirror. Those scenes made me remember what it felt like to be young and stuck and full of strange hope.
Some of the villains, particularly Reverend Ezra, felt theatrical at times, like he belonged to myth more than flesh. I was more interested in the real horror: the abuse, the gaslighting, the warped religion passed down as salvation. Those were the moments that chilled me. The supernatural parts worked, but they shined brightest when grounded in human hurt. The Red Wolf was terrifying, but the scenes that really stuck with me involved trembling hands, loaded silences, and kids carrying too much.
Where Dark Things Rise is a bold, tender, and eerie ride. I’d recommend it to anyone who likes their horror layered with heartache or who grew up in a place where the Bible was both shield and weapon. If you liked Boy’s Life by Robert McCammon or The Fisherman by John Langan, you’ll feel at home here. This book broke my heart in places and then lit it on fire.
Pages: 357 | ASIN : B0F674VWWZ
Where Dark Things Grow
Andrew K. Clark’s Where Dark Things Grow is an enthralling blend of mystery, horror, and emotional depth that captivates readers from start to finish. For fifteen-year-old Leo, life has reached its bleakest point. His younger sister is on the brink of death, and his mother’s mental health is unraveling due to his father’s mysterious disappearance. Forced into the role of provider, Leo faces constant bullying and poverty, all while carrying the burden of his family’s survival. When his mother pleads with him to find his estranged father, he reluctantly sets out on a journey he dreads, confronting his past and inner demons.
Set against the backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains during the Great Depression, Where Dark Things Grow immerses readers in a world steeped in racism, poverty, and survival. The atmosphere in the novel is thick with a foreboding sense of dread, and the tension lingers on every page. Clark’s vivid descriptions transport the reader to this haunting landscape, where every scene is meticulously crafted and every emotion raw and palpable. I could almost feel the damp chill of the woods and hear the rustling of leaves as Leo ventured deeper into the supernatural. The characters are richly developed, each distinct and compelling, while the dialogue flows with poetic elegance. I found myself especially captivated by Leo. His mix of curiosity, innocence, and toughness feels authentic, especially in the way he’s shaped by his circumstances. This coming-of-age story forces its young protagonists to confront the darkest corners of their world and themselves too soon.
Where Dark Things Grow is a must-read for fans of Southern Gothic, folklore, and dark fantasy. Andrew K. Clark weaves an atmospheric, eerie narrative that’s as much about survival as it is about confronting the shadows within and without. I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a haunting, slow-burn story set in a richly imagined world. It’s perfect for readers who love tales steeped in mythology, magic, and the dark undercurrents of human nature.
Pages: 335 | ASIN : B0DG6WZBYZ
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